Verse 1
Any paragraph division of this chapter is quite arbitrary, for all of it deals with the iniquity and rebellion of the northern Israel, referred to as Ephraim. All of the commentators complain of the deterioration of the condition of the text which leaves some of the renditions very questionable. Some of the critics engaged in extensive "emendations" leading to variations of the alleged meaning. There is no claim of competence here that could justify our choosing among multiple proposed translations; and therefore, we shall interpret the chapter as it stands in our version (American Standard Version).
"When I would heal Israel, then is the iniquity of Ephraim uncovered, and the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief entereth in, and the troop of robbers ravageth without."
In this verse, as extensively in Hosea, both Ephraim and Samaria are used as alternate names of the northern Israel, Ephraim being the largest and dominant tribe, and Samaria being the capital city, the residence of their kings, and location of the principal commercial enterprises of the country.
The situation described in this chapter is one of practical anarchy. The people were no longer safe either in their homes or in the streets. Even the priests who serviced the pagan temples were robbers and thieves (Hosea 4:8; 6:9). Significantly, God was still willing to heal his people had their own behavior justified it.
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